Today, Explained

Senate candidate Graham Platner swept the Maine Democratic primary no problem. The question is whether his "authenticity" can carry him past his scandals to a win in November.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Graham Platner at an event with voters in Portland, Maine. Photo by Laura Brett/Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America's 250th birthday party has gotten political. So did its last big one.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

The Capitol and Lincoln Memorial near a video display showing "250" projected on the Washington Monument during an America250 kickoff celebration. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russia has long been a cradle of modern longevity science, even before its current president started spending billions to extend his life.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sunbathing during a vacation in southern Siberia. Photo by Alexey NIKOLSKY / SPUTNIK / AFP via Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

YouTube has advice for how to do everything from plumbing to electrical work. Should you take it?

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Isabelle Lichtenstein, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Home improvement DIY-er Imani Keal painting her Washington, DC apartment.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We went to Virginia to report on redistricting. What we found was a potential new message for Democrats to win over voters.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Voters attending a candidate forum hosted by RVA indivisible at the Libby Mill Library in Richmond, VA. Photo credit Alex Peterson.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices